Prrx2, the paired-related homeobox transcription factor, functions as a potential regulator of pannexin 3 expression in odontoblast differentiation.

Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate the roles of Prrx1 and Prrx2, homeobox transcription factors, in tooth development and determine whether Prrx2 regulates pannexin 3 (Panx3) expression, which is important in preodontoblasts.

Methods: Tooth sections were prepared from 13.5-, 15.

C-terminus of PIEZO1 governs Ca influx and intracellular ERK1/2 signaling pathway in mechanotransduction.

Cells sense and respond to extracellular mechanical stress through mechanotransduction receptors and ion channels, which regulate cellular behaviors such as cell proliferation and differentiation. Among them, PIEZO1, piezo-type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1, has recently been highlighted as a mechanosensitive ion channel in various cell types including mesenchymal stem cells. We previously reported that PIEZO1 is essential for ERK1/2 phosphorylation and osteoblast differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), induced by hydrostatic pressure loading and treatment with the PIEZO1-specific activator Yoda1.

Iroquois homeobox 3 regulates odontoblast proliferation and differentiation mediated by Wnt5a expression.

Iroquois homeobox (Irx) genes are TALE-class homeobox genes that are evolutionarily conserved across species and have multiple critical cellular functions in fundamental tissue development processes. Previous studies have shown that Irxs genes are expressed during tooth development. However, the precise roles of genes in teeth remain unclear.

von Willebrand factor D and EGF domains regulate ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation.

Cell- and tissue-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) composition plays an important role in organ development, including teeth, by regulating cell behaviors, such as cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that von Willebrand factor D and epidermal growth factor (EGF) domains (Vwde), a previously uncharacterized ECM protein, is specifically expressed in teeth and regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in inner enamel epithelial cells (IEEs) and enamel formation. We identified the Vwde as a novel ECM protein through bioinformatics using the NCBI expressed sequence tag database for mice.

Fibroblast growth factor 2 suppresses the expression of C-C motif chemokine 11 through the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway in human dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

The regulation of the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) programming mechanism promises great success in regenerative medicine. Tissue regeneration has been associated not only with the differentiation of MSCs, but also with the microenvironment of the stem cell niche that involves various cytokines and immune cells in the tissue regeneration site. In the present study, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), the principal growth factor for tooth development, dental pulp homeostasis and dentin repair, was reported to affect the expression of cytokines in human dental pulp-derived MSCs.

Coordination of WNT signaling and ciliogenesis during odontogenesis by piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1.

Signal transmission from the mechanical forces to the various intracellular activities is a fundamental process during tissue development. Despite their critical role, the mechanism of mechanical forces in the biological process is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrated that in the response to hydrostatic pressure (HP), the piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1 (PIEZO1) is a primary mechanosensing receptor for odontoblast differentiation through coordination of the WNT expression and ciliogenesis.

Combination of ions promotes cell migration via extracellular signal‑regulated kinase 1/2 signaling pathway in human gingival fibroblasts.

Wound healing is a dynamic process that involves highly coordinated cellular events, including proliferation and migration. Oral gingival fibroblasts serve a central role in maintaining oral mucosa homeostasis, and their functions include the coordination of physiological tissue repair. Recently, surface pre‑reacted glass‑ionomer (S‑PRG) fillers have been widely applied in the field of dental materials for the prevention of dental caries, due to an excellent ability to release fluoride (F).